Title: Michael Turner' Fathom V4 (Click to go to the release post)
Writer(s): Scott Lobdell (Click to see other books from this writer released on this site)
Review source: Ray Tate (Don't click it, read the review here... )
Review: Fathom #1
- Fathom is everything that Aquaman should have been for the last 20 years. The eponymous hero of the book is a product of two undersea races -- the Blue and the Black. She was, however, raised human, and likes us. This affection gives her the want to defeat piracy on the high seas and teach the world about marine life.
I ignored this title for a long time. I will never like Michael Turner's artwork, which founded the noveau cocaine chic school of art: overall bad anatomy, emaciated women and flat faces that appeared to be products of close encounters with brick walls. I don't know how much Turner actually contributed to the conception of Dr. Aspen Matthews, a.k.a. Fathom, but if he was responsible for even half, I now see the potential of imagination that was lost with his passing.
Of course it could be that Scott Lobdell, an excellent writer, wrought the changes. Whatever the reason, Lobdell seems not to suffer from the common complaint of we don't know what to do with a water-based hero. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: the world is seventy-five percent water. Crime requires it. Piracy, human trafficking and environmental dumping all function through the medium of water. That's plenty bases for water-based action to cover.
Lobdell starts small. He opens the book with Fathom stopping a group of pirates defying the Coast Guard by threatening to kill the hostages on a yacht. Enter, Fathom, who sneaks aboard, places herself in an ideal position and promptly deals with the criminals. Fathom controls water, and Lobdell is well aware of what an impressive and scary power that is. He also wisely blows off the explanation.
Essentially a debut, Fathom presents some history for the new readers in the title character's winning narration, but Lobdell doesn't bog down the book with needless information. There was a war between those of the undersea and the humans. The undersea dwellers were victorious, and quite a few humans resent Fathom. Not all though.
After swimming knots -- yet more awesome might -- to reach Miami, Fathom comes assure to give a lecture. Fathom isn't just a powerhouse. She possesses a doctorate in marine biology and oceanography. That surpasses Aquaman and Namor. Her credentials also craft a female superhero that's actually a good role model. Women can be educated. They can be strong, and they can be beautiful. There is no conflict.
Fathom benefits from artists Alex Konat and Beth Sotello. I really didn't expect such remarkable art in an Aspen book. Like I said, Michael Turner's arwork made me physically ill. Konat however produces extraordinary beauty. Fathom looks good. She's presented as proportionate, with a generous waist and hips. Her muscle tone conforms to somebody that swam the oceans nonstop all her life, and her face bears depth. She actually has a nose.
Under the rich colors of Beth Sotello, the scene shifts seamlessly from above water confrontation to super-science oceanographic platform, and every setting takes your breath away with a lightly shaded, almost pastel, naturalism that also facilitates Konat's stunning scope, ideal for a war against an undersea parasite that has infiltrated humanity. Fathom is going on my subscription list.
More info:
- Writer: Scott Lobdell
Artists: Alex Konat, Beth Sotello
Publisher:
Post rewarded by Ojay on Nov 3rd, 2011, 7:26 pm. |
Nice reviewed! 5 WRZ$ reward. Thanks Zach! |